Professor Hu Wenping, president of XMU and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, delivers a keynote speech at the beginning of the conference. [Photo provided by Lin Yuyang to en.xmu.edu.cn]
Xiamen University (XMU) marked its 105th anniversary on April 6 with a high-level development conference at Jiannan Hall.
At the beginning of the conference, Professor Hu Wenping, president of XMU and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, identified five strategic priorities for the coming years, including fostering innovation in frontier scientific fields, building a self-evolving academic ecosystem, and advancing its role as a global node with an expansive vision and resilient connectivity.
Alumnus Xia Haiping, a 1979 chemistry graduate, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and professor at Southern University of Science and Technology, reflected on his years at XMU and highlighted how the motto "Pursue Excellence, Strive for Perfection" and Mr Tan Kah Kee's patriotic spirit have guided him throughout his life.
Professor Guo Ye, a national-level talent and chief expert of major projects funded by the National Social Science Fund of China (NSSFC), emphasized that education is a process of mutual growth between teachers and students, and that in the new era, educators must not only impart knowledge but also help students find direction and develop the ability to judge, make good decisions, and persevere.
Accolades for academic and student excellence were also presented during the conference. Professor Zhang Xin and Professor Yi Zhongtian were awarded the Nanqiang Outstanding Contribution Award. Additionally, PhD students Hu Jianfei and Liu Chang, along with undergraduate He Jinxian, received the Tan Kah Kee Medal for their contributions to research and athletics.
Professor Zhang Xin and Professor Yi Zhongtian received the Nanqiang Outstanding Contribution Award. [Photo provided by Lin Yuyang to en.xmu.edu.cn]
